HP LaserJet Pro 400 color Printer (M451nw)

HP LaserJet Pro 400 color Printer (M451nw)..

Special Price HP LaserJet Pro 400 color Printer (M451nw) By HP

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42 of 47 people found the following review helpful.
A really great printer for home or office!
By SeaGoddess2403
I recently talked my employer into purchasing this printer for me to replace a very old, very slow HP LaserJet that was seemingly first made when dinosaurs roamed the earth (circa 2005 AD). I used the online ratings to choose it, and I'm so glad I did!

So far, it has been great. It is very fast; the first sheet prints out in less than 10 seconds. The color is beautiful... photos print out rich and life-like. There is a setting to lessen paper curl, which was a real problem with my old printer. It easily handles manual feeds for labels, envelopes and the like (load face up and top forward). And, best of all, it features automatic two-sided duplexing (important for printing double sided newsletters or other marketing materials). In summary, it's everything I wanted in my new printer!

That being said, there is one thing to note, however... it was a complete BEAR to install. Initially, I called my IT company to install the driver from the website (yes, there was a disc provided, but I didn't want the inevitable accompanying bloatware). First of all, the printer was not a plug and play; it didn't really detect the printer as a device when plugged in, but rather showed up as a program. That aside, everytime the IT tech went to install it from the downloaded driver, right at 99%, the printer failed to install and the computer (also an HP) needed to be restarted. He tried this 3 seperate times, and each cycle took about 35-40 minutes. When he was unable to install it that way, he had me try inserting the disc. That did not work either - another fatal error, another re-start. So my IT technician was forced to call HP Tech Support for assitance. The first thing asked by HP was if my USB cord was longer than 6 feet (it wasn't). They said that cables longer than 6' long could cause install issues (? not sure how). Since that wasn't the case, we were then told that there were known issues with setting this printer up using the default SmartInstall feature and it had to be manually disabled from the printer itself. HP gave me the step by step directions to disable it via the printer's menu and sure enough, it then quickly installed.

To anyone who is having trouble installing this printer, try going through the menu to disable SmartInstall. That should solve any problems you have.

Aside from the 4 hour install problem, I really do love my new printer and recommend it readily.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful.
Good quality, but quirky
By T. Dokland
I bought this as a replacement for the office when our old b/w HP 2300 finally gave in after almost 9 years of service. In my opinion, HP makes good quality, solid laser printers, but their software leaves a lot to be desired, being cumbersome, slow, bloated and buggy.

Indeed, this printer delivers excellent quality prints in both b/w and color. Prints are razor-sharp and colors are vibrant. I was a bit concerned about the stated 600 dpi resolution, since our old printer and the more expensive 500-series models, reportedly have 1200 dpi resolution, but that does not seem to make any difference at all. (It might make a difference for photo printing, but we don't do much of that.) While toner cartridges are expensive, they do last quite long (though not as long as the huge cartridge on the old HP 2300), and it's definitely cheaper than inkjet.

However, there are some quirks. We use the printer hooked up to wired internet, and that works well. I was never able to get it work on the wireless, and it seems you cannot use both wired and wireless simultaneously. The printer is reasonably fast under normal conditions, but not nearly as fast as our old HP 2300, which really cranked them out. You may have to wait 20-30 sec for the first page to come out. More troublesome is it that the printer has a tendency to freeze up at regular intervals. Suddenly and for no apparent reason, it won't print, delivers a "spool area full" message, and deleting the job and resetting the queue won't work. The only way to fix it is to turn the printer off and back on again. In spite of this, I am pretty happy with this printer.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful.
Great Printer for ePrint and Apple AirPrint
By AJ iEverything Guy
I was recently introduced to the function of AirPrinting with our iPads and iPhones. As soon as I saw how easy and functional it was, I had to have a printer that was capable of performing. After some extensive research and checking out many different models, I made the plunge to get this printer. We use both Macs and PC's in our home and found that it was a little difficult to get the printer setup initially with the Mac but once we set it up with the PC, it took about 15 minutes. There's also a really easy to use "ePrint" app that you can get from the Apple Store which allows you to print anything remotely from your phone. Finally, you can even setup an email address where anyone can print to your printer if they send an attachment to your email address setup for printing.

All in all, a good printer. I would have given it 5 stars if I could have set it up with the Mac and saved 30 minutes but all in all, a good experience.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (16GB, White)

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (16GB, White)..

Special Price Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (16GB, White) By Samsung

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982 of 1011 people found the following review helpful.
THE Tablet for Students, but Great for All
By B. Price
Review updated 2/5/2013. I ordered this tablet immediately when Amazon posted it with 1-day shipping and as of 7/20/2013 I haven't had any issues as a few users seem to have reported. Don't get discouraged if you get a lemon; just return it for another - Amazon has free returns/replacements in such cases.

* Hand Written Notes
- S Notes - Exports to PDF and also JPG. It has templates for various types of productivity. My favorites are the ruled paper, the meeting template (date, time, attendees, meeting notes) and the recipe template (I can imagine this being very useful for the kitchen, propped up in a case).
- Papyrus Beta - This free application is very nice and similar to S Note but has normal paper templates such as College Ruled, Wide Ruled, Narrow Ruled, Blank and 4 different Graph Paper types.
- ezPDF - Costs $3 and is what you'll probably want to make annotations on lecture slides and whatnot.
- MOST applications allow you to rest your palm on the tablet while writing, others are not as well written. This all depends on the author of a specific app.
- SOME applications have nice erasers. Some times you can press the button on the S Pen to erase instead of write and some times you can just use your finger to erase while using the S Pen to write. This all depends on the author of a specific application.

* Hand Writing Instead of Typing - The default keyboard has an option that lets you hand write in any input field instead of typing. Long-press the settings (gear) button on the keyboard to select the T button which enables hand writing. Please see the User Images of this product for a good example of this.

* Multitasking (updated 2/5/2013) - Within the past week I've noticed a number of apps I use get multi-screen support so it's much less limited and a gimmick, now. I can easily be taking notes on one half of the screen while browsing or chatting or whatever on the other half. With more apps supporting the feature now it's a much larger factor in whether or not to buy.

* GPS - Fast and accurate. I am currently on the first floor of a two-story apartment building about ten feet away from the outer wall (sliding glass door) and Google Maps had my position within 40 meters almost instantly after turning on the GPS receiver. Within 35ish seconds it had my position accurate to 10 meters.

* S Pen - Comfortable to hold (I'm a 5'10" tall guy and have normal sized hands). There's an odd button on the side which adds extra functionality with certain gestures. I have no idea how it works because I'm pretty sure the S Pen isn't powered in any way, but it's more than just a stylus.

* Screen - Very sensitive. I've been taking notes for half of my classes on my tablet and it works well. I usually have the brightness set to 10-15% or slightly less in classrooms or at home because that's all I really need but also to conserve battery life.

* Battery - While leaving it on all the time, wifi off when not using it, I manage to only charge my Note 10.1 once a week. Standard usage includes notes during seven hours of lecture each week and using it periodically throughout the day or in the evening.
- To really stretch your battery life you'll need to disable some apps. I disabled Google+ and some of the default/Samsung apps that come with the device in Settings->Application Manager. As of 2/5/2013 I'm still getting ~7 days out of one charge with moderate usage.

* Build Quality - Standard Samsung quality. The case has a lot of plastic and the back gives a little if you push on it but it definitely feels solid. Now that it's in a case the build quality doesn't matter any more.

* Speed
- Very smooth. I updated about 10 apps at the same time in the market, an operation which would nearly cripple my Galaxy S until it was done, and I couldn't tell any difference in the smoothness of the Note 10.1. While I was exploring I ended up having 15-20 applications open at the same time but again I couldn't tell any difference.
- Coming from a Galaxy S phone and hardly ever using a tablet before, I'm amazed by how fast this thing boots/restarts.

* Wifi - No complaints. It connects quickly and hasn't had any issues.

* Sound - Good, loud and scared my cat when I started something on Google Play. She looked around like she does when our surround sound is on because she doesn't understand what was making such a noise. I can't tell any difference in quality between it and my laptop when watching the same video on both (the laptop was ~$1700 before a coupon).

* Rooting Friendly - Check out the forum for this tablet on xda developers for info. This device already has developers that say they'll work on it and I'm sure more will sign up because the Note 10.1 stands out among the crowd.

* Universal Remote / IR Blaster
- Works well enough. I'm going to sell my Logitech Harmony One universal remote because the Peel application works but could be nicer. With my Harmony One I could set up custom activities like Listen to Radio on my Onkyo receiver but the Peel application only has standard actions like Watch Bluray. I can still set it to play the radio but it's buried in the menus.
- Great cable TV interface. We don't watch/have cable, but if you tell it what service you have it'll tell you what is currently playing, what will be playing and provides customized content based on the preferences you specify. It works with DVRs so I imagine you can manage all of that from the Peel application as well.

* Cameras - Amazon removed the images I posted for some reason so just take my word that the cameras work well. Both the front 1.9MP camera and 5MP camera fully live up to their specs.

* The Wife - Now that I've set it up the way I like it she won't put it down. You may not want your not-so-techie spouse to love it, but at least my wife won't be complaining that I spent $550 on it and then another nearly $100 on accessories =)

* SwitchMe App - When set up properly, if your tablet is rooted, this free application will give your Android device multiple profiles. Normally an Android device can only have one primary Google account to use with Google specific applications and whatnot, but this allows you to have separate profiles with separate accounts and separate applications.
Note: If you're going to use the SwitchMe app, DO NOT clone one profile to create another. Just set up a completely new profile.

1427 of 1477 people found the following review helpful.
Really like it
By Alex Alexzander
I didn't buy mine from Amazon as I couldn't find it on Amazon. I ended up going to my local BestBuy to pick it up. The reviews online were mostly okay except for The Verge which said it was sluggish and basically was down beat on it.

I decided to buy it and if I didn't like it I would be returning it. I picked it up around 5:30PM on the 16th of August which is the release date. The first thing I did was get rid of all the widgets that are on the home screens. I suspect those might slow it down. I kept only one widget which is the clock / weather widget. I then downloaded all my favorite apps and began to arrange and configure it the way I wanted it.

It comes with Polaris Office, which is better than QuickOffice if you plan to create and edit word docs, Polaris is easier. To view documents and complex excel sheets I find QuickOffice often does the better job. I ed up keep both installed just in case.

I installed 14 games on it. All of which perform very well. There are my favorites, like FieldRunners, and newer ones like Final Fantasy, Ski Safari, Nova 3, Osmos HD, Amazing Alex and Zynga poker that I also really like. This quad core eats through anything with ease.

Got the latest Google Maps, which is so fantastic on this. You can save a Map so it's available without a data connection. Perfect for these WiFi devices. I'm a fan of the new Google Play movies, music, books and Magazines too. But if you prefer Amazon or Nook, those are available as always. It comes with the B&N Nook Reader by default.

There are Galaxy Note 10.1 specific apps like Adobe's PS Touch. I've been using Photoshop since 1996 so I am going to carefully review the built in lessons for PS Touch, a mobile version of Photoshop and see how far I can take that. If you are a subscriber to Adobe's Cloud services you're supposed to be able to edit a PSD with PS Touch, save it to the cloud, and then continue to edit it with Photoshop the desktop app.

There is also S Note. S Note and PS Touch are geared to work well with the new Samsung Galaxy S Pen. This was a primary reason for me to be interested in this particular tablet. The S Pen is so accurate that you can hand write whole sheets of handwritten text with it. I didn't try to have it translated into actual text like type written text. I just left it as my handwriting. Really like it.

Now this new Note 10.1 also has a new Muli-tasking feature. I should say that it doesn't multitask any app combo you want. Just a few apps blessed by Samsung which are: The base browser, not Chrome, their video player, Polaris Office, the picture gallery and their email app, not the GMail email app. Their email app can be used with POP, IMAP and Microsoft's Exchange via the built in Active Sync. So I tend to use that email client for work email and I use GMail as my personal email client.

Now, according to The Verge, multitasking was horrible. Not so fast Verge. I don't know what you guys are doing but I multitask'd just about every way you can on this and it works surprising well. I wrote notes while playing video. I played video while scrolling up and down on a web page. I copied text from an email to S Note, which both apps loaded in the side by side both on the screen simultaneously method. I had no trouble at all.

I bought Autodesk's Sketchpad Pro and can draw with that just fine. I also bought Adobe Ideas, but haven't yet played with that at all. Samsung also has their own kind of store and I am going to see if they have more S Pen specific apps. Really like the S Pen a lot. It's exactly like a typical Wacom Stylus. It's sharp, not that horrible eraser head large stylus you get stuck with if you want to use a stylus on the iPad. Although the iPad has Paper by 53, which I wish I had on here.

I'm really just getting started. I'll have to update this review over the weekend. Only played with this new tab for about 4 to 6 hours now.

Check out Google's Currents for news, and Pocket for saving articles for future reading. Both are great on this tablet. I think all the bases are covered with this tablet. Movies, games, magazines, office and productivity, art creation and editing. It does everything. And since it is Android, you have a real file system which makes email a breeze. Love this thing so far.

1066 of 1130 people found the following review helpful.
It's Samsung time now
By Jini Jazz
I am a long time Apple guy who currently owns 2012 Retina Macbook Pro, 27 inch iMac, iPad3, & iPhone 4S. I stay with Apple products mainly because Mac does the best for what I do. However, I never have been 100% satisfied with iPhone & iPad due to their unnecessary restrictions and limitations. I just couldn't find alternatives - I love Android in terms of features and potential, but the execution(overall user experience) has been lagging.

I guess that the time has come. Galaxy Note 10.1 made big step forward and turned the potential into reality. Just after 48 hours learning and playing around, I am convinced this is the device I want to use everyday. It is the first tablet that actually helps my productivity, no more frustration with restricted toy. So iPad goes to my mom now.

I won't relist pros and cons, since all reviewers already listed them. But I just want to correct a few misconceptions that some biased online reviewers manufactured.

1. Some people lie about build quality and they claim it makes squeaky sound when they grap it. Either they got the defect or it is downright lie. It feels solid and much better material for everyday use. Aluminum on my iPad may "look" better, but not practical without cover or case. I always had to use cover for my iPad to prevent scratches. But if you have to use case to cover, what's the point? It covers "beautiful" aluminum anyway. I don't even use cover/case for Galaxy Note and it feels just right in many hours use. Again, this two tone design(mine is white-silver) looks beautiful, very comfortable for many hours. This tablet is designed to work, not just look.

2. Screen - screen resolution is one of the reasons I was hesitant to try Galaxy Note. All I can say is just go try it yourself. This screen is beautiful! Yes you heard this from the owner who use Retina Macbbok Pro and 27 iMac everyday. Do not fall into john doe's resolution comparison, just go check it yourself! Sure 1920 would be nice, but I'd take Galaxy's 1280 with S-Pen any day.

3. Some say it's expensive. Do you know how much it cost to buy wacom device with this size and feature alone?

Most importantly, this tablet is so fast and responsive and delivers many things in my wish list "today". No more compromising and stuck with iPad. S-Pen, true multitasking (yes limited as of now, but it's already very powerful and useful), and microSD support (I feel like a prisoner who just escaped from Alcatraz!). I suggest you to check this device yourself and never fall into some online reviews.

Don't get me wrong. I still love Apple products and I will stay with Mac unless I see something better for my life and work. I just wanted to share my experience with Galaxy Note 10.1 because there are so many false reviews from Apple or Android fan boys and girls.

*** I strongly recommend you to watch all SAMSUNGmobile's YouTube videos to utilize Galaxy to its full potential. You will see why I think no other tablets can even compete with Galaxy Note. ***

One more thing...I know my next phone will be Samsung Galaxy Note II.

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i-Blason Samsung Galaxy S5 Screen Protector - 3 Pack Premium HD Clear Version (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile, All Carriers)

i-Blason Samsung Galaxy S5 Screen Protector - 3 Pack Premium HD Clear Version (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile, All Carriers)..

Buy i-Blason Samsung Galaxy S5 Screen Protector - 3 Pack Premium HD Clear Version (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile, All Carriers) By i-Blason

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
i-Blason Samsung Galaxy S5 Screen Protector
By Mark McVay
This product is exactly as described. Easy to install and fits perfect.
Happy to recommend this product to my family and friends.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
Right price for screen protection of GS5
By Ronald Barwell
Screen protector fits the screen well and is easy to apply without bubbles or dust getting under it. Comes with a little card to scrape the air out if you need to, some dust removal stickers and a small micro fiber cloth to clean the screen before application.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
Easy
By vonda.armstrong
These are the easiest screen covers I used in my life. Came in a good package and everything including instruction video link to make things work. Protector quality is pretty good for the price. Clear and durable. I am confident that my new Galaxy phone is definitely protected with these

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Lexar Dual Slot USB 3.0 Reader Professional LRW307URBNA

Lexar Dual Slot USB 3.0 Reader Professional LRW307URBNA..

Grab Now Lexar Dual Slot USB 3.0 Reader Professional LRW307URBNA By Lexar

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56 of 56 people found the following review helpful.
Good, but could use some improvements to build quality.
By Beau L.
This is a good dual card reader. I have a version that only reads CF cards from Lexar for firewire 800. That's actually a better built device, but you don't always have access to firewire, and can't read SD cards. This card reader works well, but the "pop-up" feature of the reader seems a little bit cheesy and doesn't always pop up easily, but otherwise had been working good so far. The pop-up feature does however allow you to transport it more compactly in your laptop case, etc.

89 of 93 people found the following review helpful.
Check the model number on the actual reader
By jordan
Hello fellow Amazonians. I received this item and am very pleased with the build quality, size and look. The box has a label placed over the original printed box label with the current model number LRW307URBNA, but the reader has a label on it, which has the part number LRW300U which is old and I confirmed that with the mfg. Please contact Amazon if you have the same issue if you care. This is a careless mistake on Amazon's part or the mfg., but the mfg. claims Amazon must have miss packaged it somehow. I will readjust as necessary. Amazon did a refund because item is no longer available through them. Figures. I will probably purchase somewhere else like BHphoto&video for a better chance of the actual model.

Update_2012-07-14: I purchased one from B&H Photo & Video. Same thing happened. Box says UDMA 7 support (sticker) and barcode on bottom says LRW307URBNA. Inside, the unit has a model # of LRW300U. I was very curious how this happened again, so I called Lexar tech support instead of email. Well I immediately was on the line with someone who knew what they were talking about. The unit needs a firmware update. The only change from the LRW300 to LRW307 is firmware, so even if you have a LRW300, you can update it. I now raise my rating. Thanks

Update 2013-11-22: Please disregard previous reviews. It was the manufacturers fault to not update their packaging and just place stickers on the box, but everything is fine. Love the reader.

142 of 157 people found the following review helpful.
bought two this year, both failed
By Pilgrim
I'm not product basher, but I get angry when a critical piece of equipment fails TWICE. I purchased the Lexar Dual Slot USB 3 LRW307URBNA in January 2013 and it stopped working completely in July. I didn't have time to squabble so I purchased another on July 29, 2013. Today the second device stopped working (1 of the 2 slots). I do not recommend this product.

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Spigen® [AIR CUSHION] [+Screen Shield] Samsung Galaxy S5 Case Bumper **New Release** ULTRA HYBRID [Electric Blue] Air Cushion Technology Corners + Bumper Case with Clear Back Panel + Full HD *Japanese* Screen Protector for Galaxy S5 / Galaxy SV / Galaxy S V (2014) - ECO-Friendly Packaging - Electric Blue (SGP10744)

Spigen® [AIR CUSHION] [+Screen Shield] Samsung Galaxy S5 Case Bumper **New Release** ULTRA HYBRID [Electric Blue] Air Cushion Technology Corners + Bumper Case with Clear Back Panel + Full HD *Japanese* Screen Protector for Galaxy S5 / Galaxy SV / Galaxy S V (2014) - ECO-Friendly Packaging - Electric Blue (SGP10744)..

Buy Spigen® [AIR CUSHION] [+Screen Shield] Samsung Galaxy S5 Case Bumper **New Release** ULTRA HYBRID [Electric Blue] Air Cushion Technology Corners + Bumper Case with Clear Back Panel + Full HD *Japanese* Screen Protector for Galaxy S5 / Galaxy SV / Galaxy S V (2014) - ECO-Friendly Packaging - Electric Blue (SGP10744) By Spigen

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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
BEAUTIFUL & FITS GREAT!
By Blanca
I bought this case hesitating if I should or shouldn't buy it, because I always read reviews before considering buying a product. I have to say, who ever wrote a negative review about this case, that this case was too loose on their phone, and that their phone pops out, most be using it with the wrong phone not with the S5. As soon as I received it I put it on and it's the nicest phone cover I've came across. I got the mint one and the color is exactly like the picture. I guess the phone being white makes it stand out a lot. Enough said, this case is BEAUTIFUL! and it fits GREAT!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
Love it!
By Leslie M. Bowman
Gorgeous mint color & crystal clear back panel. Fits my new GS5 perfectly! I love it!!!!

I don't know why other reviewers have complained of the phone popping out. I have not had that problem. While it is not difficult to remove the case, it doesn't pop out without my intentionally removing it. Seems snug enough to me. If this changes, I will update my review.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
So far I love it :)
By C. Crume
This case slipped onto my phone nicely, it fits very well. I already had ATT install a heavy duty screen protector on my phone and I was afraid the new case might make the screen protector lift, but it all fits perfectly. This case does not make the phone bulkier in my opinion, and it still slips into my pants pocket easily. Overall I really like this case.

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Plantronics Cordless Headset Phone - CT14

Plantronics Cordless Headset Phone - CT14..

GET Plantronics Cordless Headset Phone - CT14 By Plantronics

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168 of 173 people found the following review helpful.
Lives up to usual Plantronics Quality
By Steve28804
I received apparently one of the first Plantronics CT14 cordless headset telephones, and the bottom line is that there are no big surprises, which means I like the telephone given that I had high expectations in view of my previous experience with Plantronics quality. I did not have either of the previous models, CT12 or CT10, so I cannot compare to those. However at my office for a number of years I have been using a CS10 cordless headset system which works with a multi-line telephone, and I have become quite addicted to using a headset. Based on what I think is an objective test, the audio quality and volume of the CT14 are superb. The way I test that is to call my own voicemail and, during the same call, switch between various telephones while leaving a message. Then I listen to the recorded message, again switching among various telephones. That lets me hear the quality for myself, without relying on a person I am talking to for a report.

One characteristic I am pleased to see included is that it is possible to chain dial from recorded numbers in the "phonebook." Thus, when I use a calling card with a 1-800 access number I can then access the PIN in the phonebook to have that dialed as well, followed by the number of the person I am calling. With some other telephones, after you have used the "phonebook" and the call is in progress, the directory scrolling keys change to a different function (e.g. volume) and all the remaining numbers must be dialed by hand.

A negative thing I have to say about the CT14 is that there is a higher level of background noise than I am accustomed to, which I suspect (but do not know for sure) is an inherent part of the DECT 6.0 technology which uses a single frequency band for both sides of the conversation, and uses time division duplex. So, digitally, a lot is going on behind the scenes, and I think I am hearing digital artifacts. This is mitigated somewhat because there is ample volume. So the volume can be turned down, which reduces the background noise, while still being able to hear the person on the other side. At some point I may compare to another DECT 6.0 telephone, or attempt to see what Plantronics has on this issue. (Update: I called Plantronics and a very pleasant rep assured me that the background noise I am hearing is not normal. The background should be quiet. He gave me an RMA number to send back the telephone for a replacement, but before I do that I am going to try the telephone someplace else. It is possible there is some sort of electrical interference unique to my house. Now that I finally have this telephone, I am very reluctant to part with it for any length of time. I really like it.)

Earlier complaints regarding the predecessor CT12 concerned interference with Wi-Fi networks, and it seems clear that is not a problem with the CT14. The CT14 operates on a different frequency band (1920-1930 MHz versus 2400-2500 MHz), and that is an advertised feature of the CT14.

Update December 4, 2011: After 2-1/2 years the CT14 remains my favorite telephone, although I am currently doing without it due to a second failure of the headset cord, and am waiting for a possible replacement from Panasonic. Thus the cord on the headset is definitely a weak link in this design where, with flexing eventually either the person at the other end can't hear you, or you can't hear the other person. This happens even though I am careful, and something I do not experience with my CS10 at the office, which is still going strong after perhaps 7 to 10 years, despite being a discontinued model, and despite being used much more than my CT14 at home. My point is that Panasonic evidently has taken shortcuts with the design of the headset cord for the CT14 compared to the CS10. The headset itself sounds very good, up until the time the cord fails. (At least one time I was able to get a replacement headset directly from Panasonic through a cumbersome process on their website for less than a "Spare M170 Headset CT14" from amazon.com; currently waiting to see price and availability now that my first replacement has failed, like the original.)

Regarding the background noise issue, that has never been resolved. The replacement telephone Plantronics sent had exactly the same problem, and my last letter to them (in June of 2009) has apparently been ignored. Until I am convinced otherwise, I will assume the background noise is a design issue, and something that a person just has to live with.

54 of 57 people found the following review helpful.
A STEP BACKWARD FOR PLANTRONICS
By Nor'easter
The CT14 Plantronics Cordless Headset Phone is the new version of the Plantronics CT12 which I have happily used for the last six years. I expected that the CT14 would be an all around improved cordless headset phone with more features and even better sound quality than the CT12. The CT14 does indeed have more features but my experience with the new CT14 is that its predecessor- the CT12- was on the whole, a better headset phone with better sound quality. This was very surprising and disappointing for me.

Plantronics has made an excellent name for itself in the cordless headset phone market with innovative products and customer service/technical support which is second to none in my opinion. Unfortunately, the Plantronics CT14 disappointed me in the two most important areas- sound quality and the comfort of the headset.

Even though Plantronics CT14 uses a DECT 6.0 system which is supposed to block out audio interferences, I found the phone to have a constant, low level background noise with intermittent snaps and crackles. I would rate the CT14's sound quality as mediocre. By comparison, the older CT12 is has superior sound quality with interference present only when I was near a microwave that was on.

The headset supplied with the CT14 can be used in two ways- over the ear and over the head. I initially tried using the over the ear configuration. Quite frankly, I couldn't stand it. It hung off my ear in an extremely loose fashion with the microphone coming to rest under my chin and the headset just flopped around. I then switched configurations to "over the head" with an attached band which sits on top of the head- this is how I have used the CT12 for six years. Although the CT14 over the head configuration is very stable I was very disappointed to find that it is so tight that my ear begins to hurt after about thirty minutes. In comparison, I can use my old Plantronics CT12 over the head apparatus for many hours with no discomfort at all. Maybe the CT14's over the head headset needs breaking in and will loosen up with time, but I doubt this. No break in period was necessary for the CT12. I have taken the headset from my old CT12 and put it on the CT14. That solved the comfort issue but it doesn't speak very well for this product.

In conclusion, the CT14 seems to be a step backward from its predecessor, the CT12. However, for someone who has no experience with the previous model- the CT12- the CT14 would probably get a higher rating than I am giving it. Sound quality is very subjective and others may find the CT14's sound quality to be just fine. My problem is that I have a previous Plantronics cordless headset phone to compare the sound to, thus the criticism. ThePlantronics CT14 does have a much improved and wonderful variety of features and it is just so liberating to have a cordless handset phone. Since beginning use with the CT12 in 2003, I have often said to those with conventional phones that once you experience a hands free cordless telephone in your home, there is no going back to a regular phone where you have to use your hands (or worse yet, your shoulder) to hold the phone. I can talk on the CT14 while working with my computer and I can walk around my home with no restrictions while not straining my neck or hands. It is definitely an addictive experience. Also on a positive note, the CT14 has excellent battery life, a terrific manual, the telephone unit is small and very portable (you can slip it in your pocket or use the attached belt clip) and overall it is very easy to use. Even though I'm disappointed in some ways with the CT14, I would still purchase another Plantronics cordless headset phone in the future as I do believe Plantronics is the best brand on the market.

96 of 106 people found the following review helpful.
Great disappointment after the CT12
By Erniesma
I got a CT12 (unless it was a CT10) back in 2000. I loved it: it saved my neck from the pain associated with tilting my neck to hold a phone between my shoulder and my ear. The sound quality was great. The phone worked whether docked in its charger or while roaming the house. The sound quality was exceptional. the only problem I ever had with it was that I dropped it all the time and finally, after years of abuse, I killed it. (In fact, I had two of these phones between 2000 and 2010, when I finally decided I couldn't squeeze anymore life out of the second one, also a victim of falls.) Compared to the older models, this CT14 is a terrible disappointment. I'm using it in the same location, yet now there is a constant irritating sound in the background. And it cannot be used while docked in the charger. May not sound like a big issue. But to answer these phones, one has to get the headset on, then press the talk button before the call goes to voicemail. With the old model, those were the only steps. With the CT14, there is a 3rd step -- pull the phone out of the charger, get the headset on, then press talk. It's not so easy to do that quickly, especially when the headset plug can pull out of the phone quite easily. Also, if you're using the phone and inadvertently put it back in the charger because you're using it while sitting at the desk where the charger is, the phone disconnects the call. If it does this because of some danger of the phone blowing up or giving me cancer while in use and in the charger, I'd be interested to know. Otherwise, it just seems like a design flaw. My rating of this phone is particularly low because I loved the older model so much. It was a revalation. This one is terrible by comparison. (If you never had the older version, this one might not frustrate you as much as it does me. But really, I am not okay with the terrible sound quality.)

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32GB microSDHC Memory Card w/SD Adapter

32GB microSDHC Memory Card w/SD Adapter..

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204 of 209 people found the following review helpful.
COUNTERFEIT CARD - DO NOT BUY
By Matt Miller
I ordered two of these cards, because they were such a good deal. Quite naive of me; when I had trouble getting it to work in my phone, I did a few searches online and found the there had been a spate of counterfeit 32GB cards a couple years ago. The postings recommended using a free, downloadable program called H2testw, which tests flash memory for errors & counterfeiting. I did so with both cards, and sure enough they actually only had just shy of 2GB of genuine, writable memory.

The fact that both items were counterfeit in the same way, and were in the same packaging, leads me to suspect that all are likely fake, in which case the listing itself should of course be removed, and anyone who purchased fraudulent cards reimbursed for all costs associated. I was able to get a return immediately, but am in the position of having to pay for shipping myself. I have sent the seller and Amazon an email requesting that I not have to pay any shipping, as the items were counterfeit rather than simply defective. I'll update as events unfold.

79 of 81 people found the following review helpful.
Do not buy it!!!
By Ian N. Borrell Guerra
It is the worst purchase I have ever made​​. The real capacity is less than 3g. Do not buy it!!! It's a scam!!!!!!!!

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful.
defective
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i ordered one 32gb sd card and neather phone pc or table where able to read the card im awaiting for a full refund

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